The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on the Ugandan government to reallocate funds from less critical sectors to ensure that HIV/AIDS prevention programs remain unaffected following the U.S. decision to freeze funding to Uganda.
Speaking at the launch of the 12th edition of the Kabaka Birthday Run, scheduled for April 6, 2025, Mayiga emphasized the urgent need for pragmatic financial management in response to the funding gap.”We are facing an existential threat due to insufficient funds to fight the HIV/AIDS scourge. The current U.S. administration is reducing its expenditure, and we know that USAID, which has been a major contributor to HIV/AIDS programs in Uganda, has halted its operations. Now is the time for pragmatism,” Mayiga stated.
He urged both the government and individuals to save money to support HIV/AIDS treatment for affected family members and relatives.
“I call upon the government to prioritize health and redirect funds from less critical areas to ensure HIV/AIDS prevention programs are not disrupted. USAID has been the largest donor agency in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and with their funding frozen, we must take proactive steps to protect our people,” he added.
At the same event, new running kits for the Kabaka Birthday Run were unveiled.
Mayiga also encouraged young people to adopt preventive measures such as condom use, male circumcision, and regular HIV testing.
“I urge young people to popularize condom use and go for circumcision. Experts tell us that circumcision significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. We must also save money at an individual and family level to take care of ourselves and our loved ones, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS,” he said.
Sarah Nakku Kibuuka, the UNAIDS Country Community Mobilization and Networking Adviser, expressed her deep concern to the Katikkiro about the impact of the U.S. funding freeze on Uganda.
She stated that this development unsettles her, as it threatens the country’s efforts to achieve the goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
“I cannot guarantee that by 2030 we will have eliminated HIV/AIDS. The funding freeze under the Donald Trump administration is significantly affecting us. The U.S. was covering over 68% of Uganda’s HIV/AIDS response, and this gap cannot be bridged in just a few months,” Nakku stated.
She further explained that while the Ugandan government does contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS, its funds are primarily allocated to antiretroviral drug purchases.
“Uganda needs $141 million annually for HIV/AIDS medication, yet the government only contributes $65 million. The U.S. was also funding critical services such as condom distribution, HIV testing kits, and voluntary male circumcision. The funding freeze will have a major impact on our fight against HIV/AIDS,” she added.
